Sanju doesn’t play for personal scores, but for the team: Father Viswanath

Sanju Samson’s dad Viswanath

Team India stormed into the final with a commanding victory over England in the semi-final, powered once again by Sanju Samson's brilliance. For the second knockout tie in a row, Samson was named Player of the Match - but he chose to dedicate his award to teammates Shivam Dube and Jasprit Bumrah, a gesture that epitomised the spirit of the game.

Twice in succession, Sanju fell tantalisingly short of a century. But at the press conference he brushed aside personal milestones with a smile: "I haven't missed two centuries. I have scored one 97 and one 89. It is a very big deal. I am very grateful for that. It's going well."

A day after the semi-final, his father, Samson Viswanath, also emphasised on a similar perspective. "My son does not play for individual scores. He plays for the team. I am happy India won and I wish we continue our winning streak on Sunday," Samson Sr told mid-day.

Born in Kerala, Sanju Samson grew up in Delhi's Police residential colony at GTB Nagar, where his father was posted as a constable. Sanju played junior cricket there, but after he was rejected by the Delhi U-13 team, his father, a former Delhi football player, took voluntary retirement from the police to help his son pursue cricket in Kerala. A young Sanju dreamt of becoming an IPS officer, but cricket became his destiny. His father's sacrifice ensured that destiny was fulfilled.